Mechanical Engineering at Boston University
Master's Degree
Earnings Distribution
How Boston University graduates compare to all programs nationally
Boston University graduates earn $88k, placing them in the 35th percentile of all mechanical engineering masters programs nationally.
Earnings Over Time
How earnings evolve from 1 year to 4 years after graduation
Earnings trajectories vary significantly. Some programs show strong early returns that plateau; others start lower but accelerate. Consider where you want to be at year 4, not just year 1.
Compare to Similar Programs in Massachusetts
Mechanical Engineering masters's programs at peer institutions in Massachusetts (10 total in state)
| School | Earnings (1yr) | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Boston University | $88,228 | $105,705 | — | — |
| Massachusetts Institute of Technology | $155,889 | $131,008 | — | — |
| Worcester Polytechnic Institute | $107,230 | $99,480 | — | — |
| Northeastern University | $95,265 | $99,023 | — | — |
| University of Massachusetts-Lowell | $93,804 | $95,688 | — | — |
| National Median | $92,510 | — | — | — |
Other Mechanical Engineering Programs in Massachusetts
Compare tuition, earnings, and debt across Massachusetts schools
| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr) | Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| Massachusetts Institute of Technology Cambridge | $60,156 | $155,889 | — |
| Worcester Polytechnic Institute Worcester | $59,070 | $107,230 | — |
| Northeastern University Boston | $63,141 | $95,265 | — |
| University of Massachusetts-Lowell Lowell | $16,570 | $93,804 | — |
About This Data
Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard (October 2025 release)
Population: Graduates who received federal financial aid (Title IV grants or loans). At Boston University, approximately 18% of students receive Pell grants. Students who did not receive federal aid are not included in these figures.
Earnings: Median earnings from IRS W-2 data for graduates who are employed and not enrolled in further education, measured 1 year after completion. Earnings are pre-tax and include wages, salaries, and self-employment income.
Debt: Median cumulative federal loan debt at graduation. Does not include private loans or Parent PLUS loans borrowed on behalf of students.